Go Back
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites with Fig and Thyme - festive holiday appetizer

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These delightful bites blend the sweetness of figs, tartness of cranberries, and creaminess of Brie cheese, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry, making them a perfect elegant holiday appetizer.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries Provides tartness; frozen cranberries can substitute if needed.
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons brown sugar Balances acidity; sweeteners like maple syrup can work as an alternative.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Enhances warmth; nutmeg or allspice can create a different but delightful flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Brightens the flavor; dried thyme can be an alternative but use less.
For the Pastry
  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed The star of the show; always check for quality to ensure flakiness.
  • 16 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 24 slices Creamy goodness; camembert can be a tempting substitute.
  • 1/3 cup fig preserves Provides sweetness and depth; fruit preserves of your choice will also work.
  • 1 large egg, beaten For egg wash, providing golden color; non-dairy milk can replace this for a vegan option.
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar Encourages a sweet crust; regular sugar will do in a pinch.
For Serving
  • Flaky sea salt (optional) For added flair.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the melted butter, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
  3. Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut each sheet into 6 rectangles.
  4. Spread fig preserves in the center of each puff pastry rectangle.
  5. Top the preserves with two slices of creamy Brie.
  6. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the Brie slices and press gently.
  7. Fold the edges of the pastry slightly inward.
  8. Brush the edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Baking
  1. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
  2. Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme over the warm bites and serve.

Notes

Serve warm, perhaps with a festive drink in hand, and pair beautifully on a charcuterie board with nuts, fruits, and other seasonal cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freeze assembled but unbaked bites on a parchment-lined tray; once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes.